President Droupadi Murmu honoured India’s finest artisans at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, during the Shilp Guru Awards and National Handicraft Awards for 2023 and 2024.
The ceremony recognised 48 awardees, including 12 Shilp Guru honorees and 36 National Award recipients. Moreover, 20 women artisans demonstrated the growing leadership of women in the handicrafts sector. The crafts on display ranged from woodwork, metal craft, clay modelling, jute craft, Pattachitra, leather puppetry, terracotta, cane and bamboo, stone carving, papier-mâché, carpets, toys, dolls, and puppets.
President Murmu praised artisans as custodians of India’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, she highlighted their ability to adapt to new markets and technologies while preserving authenticity. She also emphasised the handicrafts sector’s role in rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and sustainability. In addition, she encouraged young entrepreneurs to invest in skills and innovation to elevate handicraft production and expand global markets.
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh celebrated the achievements of the awardees. He described handicrafts as a vital employment generator, especially for women and marginalised communities. At the same time, he reaffirmed government support through product diversification, promotion of natural fibres like jute and water hyacinth, and schemes under the National Handicrafts Development Programme.
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita underscored handicrafts as cultural expressions that connect rural courtyards with global markets. He noted that each handcrafted item reflects India’s identity and creativity.
Meanwhile, Secretary Neelam Shami Rao stated that the awards inspire artisans to continue their creative pursuits and preserve heritage. Similarly, Development Commissioner Amrit Raj expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the handicrafts ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Shilp Guru Awards and National Handicraft Awards spotlight India’s artisans as the backbone of cultural preservation and sustainable development.
ALSO READ: Odisha Assembly Winter Session Ends Early After 11 Days
